Flight-Free Travel to Dublin from Scotland

Flight-Free Travel to Dublin From Scotland

Travel by Ferry & Train

Getting to Dublin by Ferry & Train from Scotland

Travel By Ferry & Coach

Getting to Dublin by Ferry & Coach from Scotland

Public Transport

DART Trains, Luas Trams & Buses in Dublin

FIRST: TRAVEL WITH YOUR PASSPORT!!!!

Although Scottish citizens can travel freely between Scotland and Ireland, spot-checks can be made – and you MUST have photo ID.

Travel to Dublin From Scotland Without Flying

To get from Glasgow to Dublin without flying, you can either:

Travel south through the UK first (drive down to Liverpool if you’re taking your car over, or travel by rail to Holyhead if you’re taking the train). And then take the ferry across to Dublin from there (and a Trainline “Rail & Sail” ticket makes this an affordable option).

Or,

Take the ferry to Belfast (or Larne) in Northern Ireland, and then travel south through Ireland to Dublin by train (the fastest and cheapest option).

And there are four different ways to get to Dublin which don’t involve going anywhere near an airport:

The direct Eurostar train between London and Brussels Midi; followed by the Nightjet night train between Brussels Midi and Vienna Central Station.
And as both trains connect in the same train station in Brussels (Brussels Midi), the connection is very easy. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants near Brussels Midi where you can enjoy dinner before boarding the night train to Vienna.
If you are arriving in London by train from other parts of the UK and need to travel across London first, see the Getting To London St.Pancras International From Other Major London Railway Stations article;
A FlixBus coach from London to Vienna (30-32 hours). This is NOT an accessible option though (yes, some coaches are accessible, but until coaches have accessible toilets too, they’re to be avoided – 32 hours is a long time to cross your legs).

Option 1a (Accessible): Eurostar Train from London to Brussels

The direct London to Brussels Eurostar train takes just 1 hour 53 minutes (just under 3 hours to Brussels when you include the time difference).

However, you’ll need to be at London St.Pancras Station by around 5pm at the very latest, to catch a London to Brussels train that will get you to Brussels in time to catch the Brussels to Vienna night train (and even earlier if you want to leave enough time to have dinner in Brussels).

Accessibility:

There’s a real benefit for wheelchair travellers travelling on Eurostar trains:

Wheelchair spaces are indeed available. But these wheelchair spaces are only available in the pricier Standard Premier and Business Premier class carriages.

However.

They are sold to wheelchair using passengers at a discounted Standard Class rate.

And, although your companion/assistant also has to buy a ticket too (no free companion tickets here I’m afraid), they also travel at this same reduced rate.

Option 1b (Accessible): Nightjet night train from Brussels to Vienna

Probably the biggest advantage of taking the Nightjet night train between Brussels and Vienna, is that the train journey is overnight (so you arrive in Vienna ready to go on your first day).

A night train may seem like a more expensive option, but it also saves you on a night’s hotel accommodation (which will be the best part of £100 – even more so if you decide to overnight in a London hotel first).

Plus, because the night train doesn’t leave Brussels until after 9pm, you can take a London to Brussels Eurostar train that departs London by 5pm.

And!

As the London to Brussels Eurostar train and the Brussels to Vienna night train both use the same train station in Brussels (Brussels Midi), the connection couldn’t be easier.

Accessibility:

An accessible compartment is available on the Brussels to Vienna Nightjet night train which has two berths (one for the wheelchair traveller and one for an accompanying person). The accessible compartment is also adjacent to an accessible toilet.

The wheelchair compartment can only be booked directly with the ÖBB customer service people though, by telephoning (0043 5 17175), at least 36 hours before departure.

To obtain boarding assistance, simply complete the online request form (mobility assistance) – again, at least 36 hours before travel – plus, you must be at the agreed meeting point (which you choose when booking the accessible compartment) at least 20 minutes before the train’s departure time.

Option 2: Flixbus Coach from London to Vienna (NOT Accessible)

This is the budget option.

You’ll be sitting on a coach for 30-32 hours though. And you will have to make one change (the location varies depending on the bus you take).

FlixBus coaches leave from London Victoria Coach Station, and arrive in Vienna at Vienna Erdberg (VIB) – and sometimes at Vienna Central Station instead.

Accessibility:

The coach is NOT an accessible option for getting to Vienna though.

Yes, some coaches are accessible, but until coaches have accessible toilets too, they’re to be avoided (unless you’re happy crossing your legs for up to 32 hours).

Public Transport in Vienna

The public transport networks in Vienna are pretty extensive – and will take you to just about anywhere you want to visit in Vienna.

There are three options for buying tickets for the metro, trams and buses:

Buy separate tickets (before each journey), and just validate the ticket as you enter either enter a Vienna metro station, or board a Vieena tram or bus (tickets bought from the driver on board Vienna trams and buses are already validated).

This is probably going to be the cheapest option if you only intend to use Vienna’s public transport one or two times during your visit to Vienna;
A much more flexible, and convenient, option is to buy a 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour travel pass, and just swipe it (to validate it) whenever you travel on either the metro, the trams, or the buses in Vienna (but note – this is a travel pass only). You can buy these passes online (before you even head to Vienna), and just print a PDF, or show the ticket on your mobile device; buy them via the WienMobil app (available for both iOS and Android devices); or just wait until you get to Vienna and buy it from any Wiener Linien ticket office or ticket machine;
An even better option is to buy a Vienna City Card for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Think of the Vienna City Card as being a Travel Pass +.

For as well as being valid on all public transport in Vienna, the Vienna City Card also gives you more than 210 discounts at museums and sights in Vienna, theatres and concerts, and in shops, cafés and restaurants in Vienna – for 24, 48 or 72 hours.
This is the easiest and most practical option (it’s also the most expensive option too though – but depending on how much of Vienna you plan to see during your visit, it might actually make financial sense as well). The Vienna City Card can also be bought online before you head to Vienna, or can be bought in the main train station when you arrive on the Brussels-Vienna Nightjet night train.

Accessibility:

The accessibility of trams, trains and buses in Vienna is simply wonderful. Plus, over 95% of all tram and bus stops in Vienna are now accessible too – as well as ALL underground stations.

Vienna Hotels / Vienna Hostels / Vienna Apartments

Where in central Vienna is the best place to look for a hotel?

Hmmm? As you will be arriving in Vienna at Vienna Central Train Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof), and as you will also be departing from there at the end of your visit to Vienna – then it would make sense to stay as close as possible to there.

As well as there being plenty of hotels near Vienna Central Station, “Wien Hauptbahnhof” (as Vienna’s central train station is known as locally) is THE major public transport hub in central Vienna. All of the best visitor attractions can be accessed from Vienna Central Train Station.

The following hotels are moments away from Vienna Hauptbahnhof (the hostel is a bit further away – but is still easily accessible using the Metro in Vienna). And all three receive seriously good reviews:

4-Star Hotel

Hotel Schani Wien

Vienna Central Station

Just 300 meters from Vienna Central Station

Vienna’s tram (line D) stops in front of the hotel

Accessible Rooms Also Available

3-Star Hotel

ibis Vienna

Wien Hauptbahnhof

Just 300 meters from Vienna Central Station, so ideal for your night train from Brussels to Vienna

Accessible Rooms Also Available

Hostel

Wombat's City Hostel

Vienna Naschmarkt

5-minute walk from the U4 metro stop Kettenbrückengasse

Free WiFi. Free city map. Popular bar.

Dorms & Private Rooms Available

More....

For details of other Amsterdam hotels, Amsterdam hostels and apartments in Vienna, see Booking.com Vienna

Accessible Vienna Hotels, Hostels & Apartments:

Finding a truly accessible hotel, hostel or apartment anywhere can be a bit of a nightmare.

But the accessibility filters on the Booking.com Vienna Hotel search (simply scroll down on the left), make it much easier.

There’s a wee trick though:

By default, the filters are a bit limited. So, ignore the filters initially, simply enter your desired dates, and make an initial search. You will then be presented with ALL properties that are available on your desired dates – and much more detailed filters (on the left – keep scrolling down until you see the “Property accessibility” and “Room accessibility” filters). NOW, filter the results as required. As I need step-free access & a roll-in shower as a minimum, I select BOTH of the “Wheelchair accessible” Property and “Roll-in shower” Room filters.

IMPORTANT: Always specify that you MUST have an accessible room, in the “Comments” during the hotel booking process.

DIY Walking Tours of Vienna

There are currently two different DIY Walking Tours of Vienna (all Vienna DIY Walks start out from Vienna Central Train Station/Wien Hauptbahnhof):

Vienna DIY Walking Tour (the main Vienna city centre walking route). About 6.5km (4 miles) walking distance. You could dash round in a couple of hours – but I would really expect to spend a full day (there’s just so much to see & do on this Vienna DIY Walk).

Points of Interest: Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Train Station) > St. Stephen’s Cathedral > Spanish Riding School > Austrian National Library > Albertina > Vienna State Opera > Maria-Theresien-Platz > Kunsthistorisches Museum > Museum of Natural History > Leopold Museum > Heldenplatz > Hofburg > Volksgarten > Rosengarten > and the Austrian Parliament Building;
Vienna Rathaus DIY Walking Tour – As it’s less than 1 km (an easy 1 hour stroll), this is a recommended evening walk – as this area of central Vienna is best seen when lit-up in the evening:

Points of Interest: Rathaus > Rathausplatz > Burgtheater > Volksgarten.

Accessibility:

Both DIY Walking Tours of Vienna are completely accessible/step-free.

Dropped kerbs are always available where needed in central Vienna.

If this Flight-Free Travel to Vienna information has helped you in any way, please consider making a wee donation here

Thank you so very much – and have a great time in Vienna!

Accessible & Flight-Free Travel to Dublin from Scotland (Glasgow)

You have two basic routes to follow to get from Glasgow to Dublin:

1. Travel south through the UK first (drive down to Liverpool if you’re taking your car over, or travel by rail to Holyhead if you’re taking the train) – and then take the ferry across to Dublin from there (and the Trainline “Rail & Sail” ticket makes this an affordable option).

2. Or, take the ferry to Belfast (or Larne) in Northern Ireland, and then travel south through Ireland to Dublin by train (the fastest and cheapest option).

Option #1

Train to Holyhead, Stena Line (or Irish Ferries) ferry to Dublin Port, then bus/taxi between Dublin Port and central Dublin).

1a. Train to Holyhead.

This journey involves making two changes – and all 3 trains are operated by different rail companies.

So it’s definitely not the simplest option. But it may suit you if you are visiting certain UK cities along the way.

The first train (Avanti West Coast) takes you from Glasgow Central to Warrington Bank Quay.

The second train (Northern) takes you from Warrington Bank Quay to Chester.

And the final train (Transport for Wales) takes you from Chester to Holyhead (where you catch the ferry to Dublin).

Accessibility:

You have two options for booking Passenger Assist for the Glasgow to Holyhead journey:

1. As Avanti West Coast will be your initial train operator, then you should book Passenger Assist through them – and they will also arrange assistance with the other operators on this route;

2. Passenger Assist can also be arranged directly with Passenger Assist though (meaning that you don’t have to arrange it indirectly via the train operator). You can use either their online form to request assistance – or they now have an app (I’ve yet to use this personally, but I will do so on my very next train trip – as it sounds SO easy to use: you simply create an initial profile; then whenever you request assistance for a train journey – they already know your needs – so no more need to give them the same information every time you travel!).

1b. Ferry (Stena Line – or Irish Ferries – they both operate on the Holyhead to Dublin route).

Holyhead train station and the Stena Line/Irish Ferries departure desks at Holyhead port are actually all part of the same building.

The Holyhead-Dublin ferry route is operated by two different companies though: Stena Line and Irish Ferries. So you have a choice (both operators are much the same though).

As both of the Stena Line and Irish Ferries check-in desks can be reached directly from the train station, there is no practical difference between them (and the ships used by both companies on this route are accessible.

The crossing between Holyhead and Dublin Port takes around 3 hours 15 minutes.

Accessibility:

In addition to the terminal building at Holyhead being wheelchair accessible (incuding a wheelchair accessible toilet), all ships used on this route are wheelchair accessible too.

You must notify the operator you will be travelling with of your assistance needs no less than 48 hours in advance of travel:

Stena Line (via e-mail or telephone);

Irish Ferries (via e-mail – additionally, you should specify “Passenger with Wheelchair” when buying your ticket).

1c. Bus (Dublin Bus number 53 or Ferrylink express shuttle bus 853 – both are wheelchair accessible: from Dublin Port Terminal One to central Dublin).

The Ferry terminal (Terminal 1 – where the Irish Ferries ship docks) and the number 53 bus stop are in the same place. Again, you simply walk/roll from ferry to bus. The number 53 bus (a public bus route in Dublin) stops at various places in the centre of Dublin. All Dublin buses are low-floor and wheelchair accessible.

There is another express shuttle bus service that runs between Terminal 1 (for Irish Ferries passengers), and/or Terminal 2 (for Stena Line passengers), and then direct to central Dublin (where it makes just one stop – at George’s Quay) though. This Ferrylink express service (route number 853) is operated by Nolan Coaches. Tickets can be bought either online at nolancoaches.palisis.com or you can simply buy a ticket on the bus (but if you are buying your ticket on the bus, you can ONLY purchase it using a contactless card – cash is NOT accepted).

And as the bus only makes one stop in central Dublin (at George’s Quay), I would just look in that area for a hotel – and simply walk/roll to your Dublin hotel from the shuttle bus stop.

Accessibility:

Both the 53 (public bus) and 853 (express shuttle bus) are wheelchair accessible.

At certain times, there is an issue with taking the bus between Dublin Port and central Dublin though:

Normally, there are separate 853 buses leaving from either terminal (depending on the arrival time of each operator’s ships). So no problem there. However, the first and third buses of the day serve BOTH terminals (as Irish Ferries and Stena Line both have ships arriving at the same time then). The bus collects Irish Ferries passengers from Terminal 1 first, before collecting Stena Line passengers from Terminal 2.

And this can be a bit of an issue for wheelchair users who want to use the bus:

If you have travelled on a Stena Line ship, you will arrive in Terminal 2 at Dublin Port. When the 853 bus also arrives at Terminal 2, it may already be carrying passengers from Terminal 1. And if there’s already a wheelchair user on board – then you are going nowhere.

And there’s more….

Even if there is no wheelchair passenger already on the bus, it will have lots of passengers already. With luggage. And luggage tends to be left in empty wheelchair spaces I find! In my experience though, people will usually move bags out of the way. But sometimes accompanied with a lot of sighing, muttering and shaking of heads.

Not exactly the ideal introduction to Dublin.

1d. Taxi (from Dublin Port to central Dublin).

The alternative way to reach central Dublin (and to travel directly to your Dublin hotel), is simply to take a taxi between Dublin Port and your Dublin hotel.

It is a 5km journey from Dublin Port to central Dublin, and your taxi journey should only take between 16 and 30 minutes (depending on traffic and where your central Dublin hotel is actually located). The taxi journey between Dublin Port and central Dublin will cost around EUR13-EUR19.

The minimum of stress – and you’ll be in your central Dublin hotel in the shortest time possible.

Now THAT is what you want your introduction to Dublin to be!

You can then also stay in a Dublin hotel anywhere that is more suitable for you in central Dublin.

My advice then:

It is WAY cheaper to use Trainline’s “Rail & Sail” ticket (for travel between Glasgow Central and Dublin Port). And this ticket will state that you must use a specific operator (but it can be either).

So the Trainline’s combined “Rail & Sail” ticket from Glasgow Central to Dublin Port, and then a taxi from Dublin Port to your Dublin hotel, is definitely the way to go (the taxi is definitely easier – and you will have saved so much money on the combined “Rail & Sail” ticket anyway, that you will feel that the extra cost of the taxi is more than deserved).

Accessibility:

There are no accessible taxis waiting at Dublin Port though (you have to arrange this yourself). But it is very easy to do – as it can all be done online (and can/should be done before you leave home – so that your taxi is waiting for you when the ferry docks in Dublin Port):

Dublin Wheelchair Taxis (a division of the seriously well-recommended Leinster Taxis) can provide wheelchair accessible taxis between either of the Irish Ferries or Stena Line terminals and your central Dublin hotel.

Their wheelchair accessible taxis in Dublin can be booked online at: www.dublinwheelchairtaxis.com (I recommend booking in advance of travel, as there can be delays in last-minute wheelchair taxi bookings – plus, they’ll then be able to monitor your ship’s crossing, and expected arrival time, so that they will be waiting for you on arrival).

An example test booking (made on April 7):

Going out on Thursday May 4 2023, and returning on Thursday May 11 2023 (and these fares are for Glasgow to Dublin Port only – you still have to pay for the bus/taxi on top of this – but that cost is fixed – EUR3 for the bus, and EUR13-19 for a taxi).

Train (all the way to Holyhead if booked directly via Avanti West Coast): £181.90
[This means just having to arrange Passenger Assist once, and they’ll arrange for Passenger Assist on the separate connections].

Train (all 3 legs booked separately via each individual train’s operator):
Glasgow Central to Warrington Bank Quay (booked via Avanti West Coast), £32.70 RTN
Warrington Bank Quay to Chester (booked via Northern Rail), £6.00 RTN
Chester to Holyhead (booked via Transport for Wales), £34.40 RTN
Total: £73.10! [Quite a difference. But the cost is that you have to make 3 individual Passenger Assist requests – one for each individual train. Still, I’d be more than happy to complete two additional forms if it meant saving over £100!]

Ferry (if booked directly via Stena Line or Irish Ferries): £72.00

Total: £253.90 (if the whole journey is booked via Avanti West Coast); or £145.10 (if booked through the 3 separate train companies).

——–

A combination “Rail & Sail” ticket bought via the Trainline is only £93.40 though (between Glasgow Central, Warrington Bank Quay, Chester, Holyhead and Dublin Ferryport). Cheaper than just the train part of the journey if booked separately (and less than half the price for the entire journey)! You must travel on a specified operator’s ship though (Irish Ferries in this example – but it could be either).

And you then simply add the bus/taxi fare between Dublin Port and central Dublin/your central Dublin hotel to this.

There are a few things to be aware of when buying combined “Rail & Sail” tickets though: Travel is only available in Standard Class; and railcard discounts are not available as well (possibly because the fare is so seriously discounted already?). First class train travel & cabins can be added when booking direct though.

Passenger Assist: You can either arrange this indirectly with Avanti West Coast (as they operate the initial rail service, and they will arrange assistance on the other trains too); directly with the Passenger Assist people (meaning that you don’t have to arrange it indirectly via the train operator). You can use either their online form to request assistance – or they now have an app (I’ve yet to use this personally, but I will do so on my very next train trip – as it sounds SO easy to use: you simply create an initial profile; then whenever you request assistance for a train journey – they already know your needs – so no more need to give them the same information every time you travel!).

Option #2

Direct COACH from Glasgow Buchanan Street bus station to Belfast Europa Buscentre (the coach ticket price includes your ferry travel too). Then, train from Belfast, Lanyon Place Train Station to Dublin Connolly (bought via Translink).

2a. COACH from Glasgow Buchanan Street bus station to Belfast Europa Buscentre (bought via Citylink).

This is a seriously cheaper option, as your ticket includes the ferry crossing too (so you’re going from Glasgow city centre to Belfast city centre).

The combined duration of the coach & ferry (so between Glasgow and Belfast) is around 6 hours.

Accessibility:

The coach is accessible. BUT.

Until they start putting wheelchair accessible toilets in buses/coaches, you’ll have to cross your legs.

And the longest stint with no access to a toilet, is between Glasgow and Cairnryan. Over 2 hours!

If this lack of toilet access is going to be a problem for you, then the next option below (Option #S3) will be way better.

2b. Local transport between Belfast Europa Buscentre and Belfast Lanyon Place Train Station:

Train:

Belfast Europa Buscentre is actually located right beside Belfast Great Victoria Street train station – and from there, there is a direct train to Belfast Lanyon Place train station. Which takes just a few minutes. This ticket can’t be bought online though, it should be bought at Great Victoria Street train station when you arrive.

Taxi:

The taxi rank is directly outside Great Victoria Street train station.

Walk:

It’s only just over 1 km between both stations, and is very pleasant (and is slightly downhill in this direction – so it will be slightly uphill on the return journey). An easy 20 minute walk.

Accessibility:

Train:

The train from Great Victoria Street train station is wheelchair accessible (and all trains in Belfast are equipped with a portable wheelchair ramp, operated by the train conductor).

Taxi:

An accessible taxi *may* be sitting on the rank outside the station (not all taxis in Belfast are wheelchair accessible though – some are simply saloon cars). I’d simply take the train!

Walk (roll):

It’s only just over 1 km between both stations, and is very pleasant (and is slightly downhill in this direction – so it will be slightly uphill on the return journey). An easy 20 minute roll – IF the weather’s good.

2c. Train from Belfast, Lanyon Place Train Station to Dublin Connolly (bought via Translink).

The train between Belfast Lanyon Place train station and Dublin Connolly train station takes just over 2 hours.

The Enterprise (the name of the train that runs between Belfast and Dublin) is jointly run by Translink from Belfast, and by Irish Rail from Dublin. And where you start your journey from, determines who you will buy your train ticket from (from Translink in this direction).

Accessibility:

An enhanced ticket option is available: “Enterprise Plus”. More space (plus lots of free stuff). But it’s the additional space that makes this a worthwhile option (there is a wheelchair space here too).

As with all trains in Northern Ireland, there is a portable wheelchair ramp on board, which the train staff will use to assist you in boarding, and alighting from, the train.

An example test booking (made on April 7):

Coach between Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station and Belfast Europa Buscentre – including ferry (booked via Citylink): £53
+
Local transport in Belfast, between Belfast Europa Buscentre and Belfast Lanyon Place train station: negligible
+
Train between Belfast Lanyon Place and Dublin Connolly (booked via Translink): £29.98 (using the Enterpise Web Saver return fare option)

Total: £82.98

If the coach’s lack of an accessible toilet (for well over 2 hours!) is going to be a problem for you, then there are 2 other options for flight-free travel between Glasgow and Dublin (both are a bit more complicated though). And there are slight differences between the two options, although they roughly follow the same route. Option S3 means an additional change in Larne – but also means that no 1km change is required in Belfast (so you’re simply swapping a 1 km change in central Belfast for an easier one in Larne). Plus the train line between Larne Harbour and Belfast is very enjoyable too.

Option #3

Train from Glasgow Central to Stranraer; taxi (also wheelchair accessible) from Stranraer train station to the ferry port in Cairnryan; the P&O ferry between Cairnryan and Larne; train from Larne Harbour Train Station to Belfast Lanyon Place Train Station; and train from Belfast Lanyon Place Train Station to Dublin Connolly.

[This is the route I’d personally follow. A shorter sea crossing, and the railway line between Larne and Belfast is single-track and delightful. Plus the Larne-Belfast train takes you to the same station as the Belfast-Dublin train leaves from].

3a. Train (ScotRail: Glasgow Central to Stranraer).

ScotRail have now reintroduced the DIRECT Glasgow Central to Stranraer train (suspended during the pandemic).

When you get to Stranraer there is an additional journey too (a taxi from Stranraer train station to Cairnryan ferry port – about 6 miles).

Accessibility:

ScotRail have now reintroduced the direct Glasgow Central to Stranraer train. And, where possible, you most definitely should take this direct train – as otherwise, you will have to change trains at Ayr – and changing trains at Ayr can be a bit of a pain for wheelchair users:

The Glasgow-Ayr train usually stops on Platforms 1 to 3 – and the Ayr-Stranraer train leaves from Platform 4.

And there is a stepped footbridge to access Platform 4 from Platforms 1-3.

So the only way for wheelchair users to change trains at Ayr then – is to physically leave the train station when you arrive from Glasgow; turn LEFT, and follow the road over a bridge; and then re-enter the station from the other side. As you have to be at Platform 4 at least 30 mins before departure if you have arranged Passenger Assist then, with this additional time to go around, I would leave at least 40 minutes between trains at Ayr (also, there is currently NO accessible toilet at Ayr train station).

So take the direct train!

3b. Taxi (Stranraer train station to Cairnryan ferry port).

McLean’s Taxis (https://www.mcleanstaxis.com – tel. 01776 703343) provide taxis between Stranraer train station and the ferry terminal at Cairnryan. The journey is around 6 miles, and should only take around 10 minutes.

Accessibility:

McLean’s Taxis (https://www.mcleanstaxis.com – tel. 01776 703343) can also provide wheelchair accessible taxis for the 6 mile journey between Stranraer train station and the ferry terminal at Cairnryan too.

3c. Ferry (P&O Ferries: Cairnryan to Larne).

Official website (tickets)

Parking is free at the P&O ferry terminal in Cairnryan. Parking spaces are limited though.

Your first port of call when you arrive, will be to check-in in the P&O Cairnryan ferry terminal.

Even though it’s a fairly small building, there are toilets here (including an accessible toilet), and a coffee shop (vending machines are also available) within the P&O ferry terminal building.

When it comes time to board the ferry, there is a bus transfer between the terminal building and the actual ship.

The actual crossing takes just 2 hours (and there are 6 different crossings each day).

P&O Ferries operates 2 ships on this route: European Causeway and European Highlander (these links detail the facilities available on board both ships, and also show a detailed deck plan for each).

When the ferry arrives in Larne, your boarding process is simply reversed. The same bus that you arrived on, will transfer you from within the actual ship to the P&O ferry terminal building in Larne. From there, the Larne Harbour train station that you are aiming for, is just moments away.

Accessibility:

Official accessibility information on the Cairnryan to Larne route

Accessible bookings must be made at last 48 hours in advance of travel (this allows P&O staff time to arrange any assistance that you may require while travelling with them).

The P&O Ferries ferry terminal building at Cairnryan has an accessible toilet too.

The transfer bus, which accompanies you on the journey, is fitted with a wheelchair lift (so there is absolutely no problem – and as the exact same bus is used at Larne, there is no issue at all there too). The bus takes you on to the ferry itself, and there are then wheelchair accessible lifts throughout the ship.

The wheelchair accessible toilets on board the ship are very clearly signposted.

3d. Train (Translink: Larne Harbour to Belfast Lanyon Place).

This is where the difference between Stena Line and P&O Ferries becomes obvious.

The Stena Line ferry will take you directly to the centre of Belfast (but will leave you about 1km away from the train station at Lanyon Place where you will take the Belfast to Dublin train from – and you have to make your own way there). The P&O Ferry only goes as far as Larne however. But this additional train that you need to take, delivers you directly to the Lanyon Place station in Belfast (where the Belfast to Dublin train leaves Belfast from).

Swings and roundabouts.

The train journey then:

Larne Harbour train station is just steps from the P&O ferry terminal. There is no ticket office in Larne Harbour train station (nor are there any ticket machines). You simply board the train without a ticket (I know, it feels weird), and buy your ticket from the conductor on board the train.

You can also buy your ticket online if you prefer, in advance, and simply print the email out on A4 paper prior to travel or show the train conductor your email on your mobile device (so remember to keep your device charged).

The train journey from Larne Harbour to Belfast Lanyon Place station takes just 55 minutes (and costs £8.20).

Accessibility:

The official Translink “Rail Accessibility” Guide: www.translink.co.uk/UsingOurServicesandProducts/Accessibility/RailAccessibility

All trains in Northern Ireland are equipped with a portable wheelchair ramp, and have two dedicated spaces for wheelchair users (and the conductor will also help you board the train using the wheelchair ramp – they will also similarly assist you to leave the train when you reach Belfast).

3e. Train (Translink: Belfast Lanyon Place to Dublin Connolly).

The Enterprise (the name of the train that runs between Belfast and Dublin) is jointly run by Translink from Belfast, and by Irish Rail from Dublin. And where you start your journey from, determines who you will buy your train ticket from (from Translink in this direction).

And definitely buy a RETURN ticket (to avoid paying any bank charges/conversion rates if you were simply to buy a single ticket, and another single ticket back to Belfast from Dublin).

The Enterprise train runs between Belfast Lanyon Place train station in central Belfast and Dublin Connolly train station in central Dublin – in just over 2 hours!

A return ticket (the monthly return option) is £48 – or there is a non-refundable “Enterprise Web Saver” monthly return for just £29.98.

All Belfast to Dublin trains are equipped with a wheelchair ramp, and have two dedicated spaces for wheelchair users.

Accessibility:

An enhanced ticket option is available: Enterprise Plus. More space (plus lots of free stuff). But it’s the additional space that makes this a worthwhile option (as there is a wheelchair space here too).

Slightly more expensive – but definitely worth it.

As with all trains in Northern Ireland, there is a portable wheelchair ramp on board, which the train staff will use to assist you in boarding, and alighting from, the train.

An example test booking (made on April 7):

ScotRail train between Glasgow Central Station and Stranraer (via a change in Ayr): £18.20
+
Taxi between Stranraer station and the ferry terminals at Cairnryan: £10
+
P&O Ferry between Cairnryan and Larne: £50.00
+
Translink train between Larne Harbour and Belfast Lanyon Place train station: £16.40 return (although you’ll actually buy 2x single tickets @ £8.20 each)
+
Train between Belfast Lanyon Place and Dublin Connolly (booked via Translink): £29.98 (using the Enterprise Web Saver return fare option)

Total: £134.98

Option #4

Train from Glasgow Central to Stranraer; taxi (also wheelchair accessible) from Stranraer train station to the ferry port in Cairnryan; the Stena Line ferry direct to Belfast Europa Buscentre; then, train from Belfast, Lanyon Place Train Station to Dublin Connolly.

4a. Train (ScotRail: Glasgow Central to Stranraer).

There is currently no direct train (you have to change in Ayr). The total journey time, including the change/wait in Ayr, can be as little as 2 hours 23 minutes though.

When you get to Stranraer there is another journey too (taxi from Stranraer train station to Cairnryan ferry port – about 6 miles).

Accessibility:

Changing trains at Ayr can be a bit of a pain for wheelchair users though. The Glasgow-Ayr train usually stops on Platforms 1-3, and the Ayr-Stranraer train leaves from Platform 4. And there is a stepped footbridge to access Platform 4 from Platforms 1-3. The only way for wheelchair users to change trains at Ayr then – is to physically leave the train station, via the southern exit, when you arrive from Glasgow; turn LEFT and follow the road over a bridge; and then re-enter the station from the other side (via the northern entrance). As you have to be at Platform 4 at least 30 mins before departure if you have arranged Passenger Assist then, with this additional time to go around, I would leave at least 40 minutes between trains at Ayr (also, currently there is NO accessible toilet at Ayr train station).

4b. Taxi (Stranraer train station to Cairnryan ferry port).

Accessibility:

4c. Ferry (Stena Line: Cairnryan to Belfast).

Stena Line operates two different ships on the Cairnryan to Belfast route: Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII. These are two of the biggest and most luxurious ferries ever to sail between Northern Ireland and Scotland.

The cheapest, non-refundable, fare is just £70.00 return. However, for just £10 more, you can buy a “Flexi” ticket which is fully refundable up to 24 hours in advance of travel (and even gives a 50% refund if cancelled up to 2 hours before travel).

Accessibility:

In addition to the terminal building being wheelchair accessible (incuding a wheelchair accessible toilet), both ships used on this route are wheelchair accessible too.

However, you must notify Stena of your assistance needs no less than 48 hours in advance of travel, by e-mail or telephone.

4d. Local transport between Belfast Europa Buscentre and Belfast Lanyon Place Train Station:

Train:

Taxi:

The taxi rank is directly outside Great Victoria Street train station.

Walk:

It’s only just over 1 km between both stations, and is very pleasant (and is slightly downhill in this direction – so it will be slightly uphill on the return journey). An easy 20 minute walk.

Accessibility:

Train:

The train from Great Victoria Street train station is wheelchair accessible (and all trains in Belfast are equipped with a portable wheelchair ramp, operated by the train conductor).

Taxi:

An accessible taxi *may* be sitting on the rank outside the station (not all taxis in Belfast are wheelchair accessible though – some are simply saloon cars). I’d simply take the train!

Walk (roll):

4e. Train from Belfast, Lanyon Place Train Station to Dublin Connolly (bought via Translink).

And definitely buy a RETURN ticket (to avoid paying any bank charges/conversion rates if you were simply to buy a single ticket, and another single ticket back to Belfast from Dublin).

The Enterprise train runs between Belfast Lanyon Place train station in central Belfast and Dublin Connolly train station in central Dublin – in just over 2 hours!

A return ticket (the monthly return option) is £48 – or there is a non-refundable “Enterprise Web Saver” monthly return for just £29.98.

All Belfast to Dublin trains are equipped with a wheelchair ramp, and have two dedicated spaces for wheelchair users.

Accessibility:

As with all trains in Northern Ireland, there is a portable wheelchair ramp on board, which the train staff will use to assist you in boarding, and alighting from, the train.

An example test booking (made on April 7):

ScotRail train between Glasgow Central Station and Stranraer (via a change in Ayr): £18.20
+
Taxi between Stranraer station and the ferry terminals at Cairnryan: £10
+
Stena line ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast: £70
+
Local transport in Belfast, between Belfast Europa Buscentre and Belfast Lanyon Place train station: negligible
+
Train between Belfast Lanyon Place and Dublin Connolly (booked via Translink): £29.98 (using the Enterpise Web Saver return fare option)

Total: £128.18

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Thank you so very much – and have a great time in Dublin!